Four-H starts new year in St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes

The 4-H Youth Development Program of the River Parishes is holding a membership campaign as the new school year gets underway. Four-H has been a long-lasting tradition in Louisiana with over 100 years in existence. As a program that once started as a corn club, 4-H has changed throughout the years and has grown to offer a wide variety of educational opportunities that continues to promote youth development through experiential learning.

Four-H is an educational program of the LSU AgCenter that teaches youth to use their "Heads, Hearts, Hands, and Health" to become productive citizens. The 4-H program focuses on the development of youth by providing research-based educational opportunities, in which youth gain a sense of belonging, independence, generosity, and mastery.

Four-H is the nation's largest youth organization. Over 250,000 youth are impacted by the 4-H program in Louisiana alone each year, 4-H officials said. Although Louisiana 4-H has continued with its traditional programs such as livestock and cookery contests, the 4-H program has expanded to impact more youth by focusing on three primary program initiatives: citizenship, healthy living, and science, engineering, and technology.

Students in 4th through 12th grade may join 4-H through a school or community club. Membership drives are currently underway in local schools. Club members meet on a monthly basis to participate in educational activities and plan community service events. The 4-H program also offers school enrichment programs, project clubs, and afterschool youth development programs.

Research has proven that participation in 4-H has a significant positive impact on young people. Recent findings from the Tufts University 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that, when compared to their peers, young people in 4-H are:

Nearly four times more likely to contribute to their communities,

Two times more likely to pursue healthy behaviors like, and

Two times more likely to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs in the out-of-school time.

In St. Charles Parish, a few programs offered through 4-H are:

Youth Wetlands Program – This is a statewide LSU AgCenter 4-H program designed to increase students' awareness of Louisiana wetlands. Teachers can sign up to receive free curriculum and materials that targets wetland and environmental education for youth.

Teen Leadership – Middle and high school students are encouraged to join the St. Charles Parish 4-H Junior Leadership Club, where they plan, implement, and evaluate peer-led events and activities. The club has been successful in conducting community service activities, presenting educational FUNshops for younger youth, and hosting the annual St. Charles Has Talent Show as a fundraiser. The 4-H program grants teenage youth the opportunity to run for Louisiana State Board membership. The 4-H program also funds scholarships for graduating seniors to attend college. Two teenage youth are also selected each year to attend the Citizenship Washington Focus trip, in which they tour Washington, D.C. and learn how to be an informed citizen through hands-on activities with other 4-H'ers from across the nation.

Camping Experiences – 4-H offers a variety of age-appropriate camping experiences for youth. During the summer months, 4th – 6th graders are invited to attend 4-H Summer Camp, 7th and 8th graders attend LOST Camp, and 13 – 19 year olds attend 4-H University. 4-H also offers camping opportunities throughout the school year, such as Regional Challenge Camp, Parish Challenge Camp, State Fashion Camp, State Food and Fitness Camp, State Junior Leadership Conference, 4-H Day at the Capitol, 4-H Day with the Hornets, and 4-H Day with the LSU Tigers.

Volunteer Opportunities – In addition to having youth volunteer through community service projects, 4-H offers volunteer opportunities for adults! There are over 30 project-related areas in 4-H, in which volunteers are encouraged to share their expertise and passion for helping youth. From judging cookery contests and serving on an advisory board to being a project club leader and teaching workshops, there is always an opportunity for volunteers to become involved and make an impact on the lives of youth.